It was a celebration fit for twin cities. On Thursday night, the International Bridge revealed it's 50th anniversary lights spanning the bridge joining Sault Ontario and Sault Michigan displaying the traditional colours of both countries.
The International bridge opened on Halloween day , October 31, 1962 replacing the ferry service that crossed the St. Mary's River for decades and operated by the Ontario Government.
Following the construction and opening of the Mackinaw bridge in 1957, increased traffic overwhelmed the ferry service and a joint construction of the International Bridge began in the early 1960's. The cost then was a mere $20 million.
To commemorate the milestone, a new lighting design was installed this spring that includes 5,500 feet of industrial rope light in red white and blue and red and white for the Canadian span along with a large 50 on both sides of the bridge.
Following ceremonies that included James McIntyre , the former Sault Ontario Mayor who cut the ribbon 50 years ago along with other dignitaries and bridge staff.
The riverfront was lined with hundreds of people taking a look as the switch was flipped to turn on the lights followed by an enormous fireworks show.
The new lights will be on every night this summer and possibly longer said Bridge staff.
